By Karenlyn Barone
"It's a sad day, but it was inevitable," said Lynbrook Fire Chief James McDermott. "The senior members realized that we couldn't fix the structure the way it was."
The Rescue, Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1, on Earle Avenue, sustained significant damage when a fire started in the building on April 22. A quick-thinking fireman, Dan Gilmartin, noticed smoke coming from the firehouse while on his morning route for the Lynbrook Department of Public Works, and stopped the fire before it spread, but not before the building was damaged. It was determined by the village Building Department and several engineers that the front of the firehouse could not be salvaged.
"Structure damage to the front of the building compromised the right front post, which holds up the second floor," said McDermott. "And the 1884 construction is not up to today's standards and codes."
The fire department purchased the Earle Avenue property in 1882 for $150. The facility is believed to be one of the oldest firehouses still home to an active company. It boasts a cathedral ceiling, which was built by volunteer firefighters about 15 years ago, according to McDermott. He said he hopes that feature can be included in the new plans as well.
The fire trucks and other equipment were temporarily moved to the Department of Public Works building, and will stay there until construction of a new building is complete. "We appreciate that the village found a place for us to put the trucks for now," said McDermott. "But it's difficult not having a central location for Rescue, Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1."
The department would not speculate on a completion date for a new firehouse, but did say that plans include renovations of the downstairs to accommodate a second ladder truck, a new concrete floor and a new deck. McDermott said the historic bell tower would be kept.
As the chief and department firefighters watched the old building fall, they spoke of the financial burden of building a new firehouse. A statement issued by the department reads in part, "Federal, state and local regulations and codes now mandate that fire stations have certain equipment and resources that are beyond the ability of Rescue, Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1 to finance on our own. Since 1884, our brother firefighters have manned the firehouse through fires, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes and other emergencies. ... We have willingly put our lives on the line without personal regard. Please help us continue to serve our neighbors in the Village of Lynbrook for another 120 years. Donations at any level, whether $5 or $500, are very much needed and will go a long way toward rebuilding our historic firehouse."
"Hopefully we will build something that will bring 120 years of new memories," said McDermott.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 Ext. 202.
